Everything You Need To Know About Changing Your Lawn Mower Oil

Maintaining your lawn mower is important to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. One of the most important tasks in lawn mower maintenance is changing the oil. In this blog post, we'll discuss everything you need to know about changing your lawn mower oil.

When Should You Change Your Lawn Mower Oil?

It is recommended to change your lawn mower oil after every 50 hours of use or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you use your lawn mower in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to change the oil more frequently. Additionally, if you notice that your lawn mower is running poorly or has a dark, dirty oil color, it may be time to change the oil.

What Type of Oil Should You Use?

Different lawn mowers require different types of oil. Check your owner's manual to see what type of oil is recommended for your lawn mower. Most lawn mowers use SAE 30-weight oil, but some may require synthetic oil or multi-weight oil. Always use the recommended oil type to ensure the best performance and longevity of your lawn mower.

How To Change Your Lawn Mower Oil

Here are the step-by-step instructions for changing your lawn mower oil:

1. Warm up your lawn mower: Start your lawn mower and let it run for a few minutes to warm up the oil. Warm oil flows more easily, making it easier to drain.
2. Locate the oil drain plug: Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of the lawn mower's engine. It is usually a bolt or a square-shaped plug.
3. Drain the oil: Place a drain pan underneath the oil drain plug and remove the plug. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan. Be sure to dispose of the used oil properly (see instructions below).
4. Replace the oil filter: If your lawn mower has an oil filter, it should be replaced at the same time as the oil. Oil filters help to remove contaminants and impurities from the oil, ensuring that the engine stays clean and runs smoothly. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual to replace the oil filter.
5. Refill with new oil: Once the old oil has drained completely, replace the oil drain plug and refill the engine with new oil. Be sure to use the recommended oil type and fill to the appropriate level. Overfilling the engine with oil can cause damage.
6. Start the engine: Start the engine and let it run for a minute or two to circulate the new oil throughout the engine.
7. Check the oil level: After the engine has run for a few minutes, check the oil level and add more if necessary.

How To Properly Dispose of Used Lawn Mower Oil

It is important to dispose of used lawn mower oil properly. Pouring oil down the drain or on the ground can harm the environment and is illegal in most areas. Here's how to dispose of used oil:

1. Collect the oil: Pour the used oil into a clean, leak-proof container with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Find a recycling center: Many cities and towns have recycling centers that accept used oil for free. Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept used oil.
3. Bring the oil to the recycling center: Bring the container of used oil to the recycling center for proper disposal.

In conclusion, changing your lawn mower oil is an important part of lawn mower maintenance. Be sure to follow the recommended maintenance schedule and use the recommended oil type to ensure the best performance and longevity of your lawn mower. By following these simple steps, you can easily change your lawn mower oil and dispose of used oil properly. Below is a short video that covers how to replace your lawn mower oil and much more.

← Previous Post Next Post →